Nobody cares if its .5 seconds faster. Quite frankly any manual is the better car over any DCT/Automatic/Tiptronic/SMG etc..I have an autotragic X5 and love it but for the long drives and snow trips, not for weekend fun and hills....

Bump.. Merry Christmas...

Endless619, having owned many MT vehicles I agree with your statement, in general, it can be more enjoyable. If the car was to be used in stop-n-go driving for commuting, I don't think I would use an M3 for it. The 328i or former 335d would be a better choice (with an automatic).

Part of my decision revolves around the one other driver in my household as well as future (driver). My wife doesn't know nor wants to know how to drive a MT. I tried in the past and she would prefer the easy route of putting the car in "D" and go. Now it's the what-if scenario. If we are out in my car and she needs to drive it. If I take her car for the day, etc. I am planning on buying a third used vehicle to serve as the driver trainer car, trips to the stores and/or snow days.

I will be test driving a M3 today with DCT. My local dealer has one in inventory. Even though I don't own one, from what I read on the forums and publications, yes it is a lot faster. But as engaging, perhaps. I'll need to discover that through a test drive.

Something to consider, when I owned my 335i vert a group of us from the Bimmerfest forum met during a day in June and traveled the roads in the White Mountains area (Kanc, Bear Notch, etc). The highlight was a drive up the Mt. Washington Auto Rd. It was not for racing but fun of driving the roads before the vacationers with their campers started clogging-up the roadways. There were some M3 owners in the group but mostly 335i/328i with a few Porsche 911/Caymans thrown in for variety.

If anybody is curious to see the history, go to the website under the E90/92/93 forum and search "Climb to the Clouds". It has been going on for 4-years with one planned next June (overnight stay at the Mt Washington hotel).

I have to admit guys it is nice to see some snow and its definitely good for is that hit the slopes. I did love last winter though and having absolutely no snow!

It's certainly going to be a while until I take the M out b/c of all the salt! I too am allergic to cleaning salt and road grime off the car! What a PITA!

I ski as well and was not a fan of the weather last year. Oh well, before you know it, winter will be over. Enjoy the slopes now. Depending on how the season goes, 3-4 months before your M can see the sun again.

Took the plunge and brought the M put tonight. Last time i drive it in 2012! And lucky found a parking garage to put my sweet girl in. I have to say the Conti DWS drive fantastic in the cold weather. Running a 265/30 and 295/30 on BBS CHR Dinan spec 19s.